Summer

Run a sprinkler over pond during very hot spells to increase oxygen level in the water

Divide plants and take cuttings from oxygenators

Watch for baby fish!

Provide shade and “hiding holes” to protect fish from predators

Use barley or Algaefix to control algae

Physically remove string algae

Gently clean and turn over rocks, add rock and gravel

Autumn

Feed fish less as temperatures decrease

Feed mostly during the morning hours of bright and sunny days

Net the pond to keep leaves out and prevent herons from fattening up for winter!

Remove tender species of fish and plants

Develop a winter/spring plan

Add shelter to get algae covering to protect in the winter

Remove spitters, fountains and fragile decorations

Winter

Cease feeding as temperature of water goes down below 60 degrees

Provide shelters in deepest part of pond

Devise winterizing plan

Add de-icers, heaters and floats (every pond’s needs are unique)

Keep an area clear of ice!

Do not stir up fish – energy reserves are lost

How do I winterize my pond plants?

In liner ponds, hardy plants can stay in the pond. Water plants in containers, if hardy, can go into the deepest part of the pond.

Before the first frost, tropical plants or plants kept in pre-formed ponds should be stored in a bin and placed some place cool, but that will not freeze. Garages can freeze if the winter is cold enough. Store the rhyzomes or roots in loose sphagnum peat in bulb crates or bushel baskets, keeping them moist during the winter months. In early March, if desired, replant in larger containers in aquatic soil, set by a west or south-west window, feed and put in a saucer to get them growing, so that by May when we are frost free, the tropicals are up and growing for May.

To store plants inside if pond is 18″ or less: Take plants out of ponds, put them on their sides and let them dry out. This allows the plant to store energy in the roots and go dormant. After that is done you can cut away the dead foliage, then in a bin, place some wood mulch, then a layer of plants, then another layer of mulch, then another layer of plants. Do this until all plants are in the mulch.

Now is a great time to plan your backyard orchard. Who said that fruit trees don’t belong in the lan[...]

About Us

Wedel's Nursery, Florist and Garden Center had its beginning in 1946 when Harley Wedel opened a produce store at 1832 S. Westnedge, the North end of Westnedge Hill. From the family farm in Portage Township, produce from forty acres of sweet corn, squash, melons, and fruit from the orchard was taken into Kalamazoo and sold at "Wedel's Fruit and Produce Store".